To avoid a repeat of another government shutdown, House and Senate negotiators have unveiled a $1.1 trillion budget compromise.
The bipartisan bill funds the government through September. The government is currently running on a temporary spending bill set to expire Wednesday. (Via Euronews)
Of course, while any sign of compromise on Capitol Hill is welcome, as The Washington Post points out:
“The legislation is leftover unfinished business from 2013, anyway, so technically it's just getting done late and therefore, not the start of a trend.”
Back in December, lawmakers agreed to a two-year budget that set limits on spending. This measure allocates that funding to various agencies. (Via The Guardian)
Or as Politico puts it, “the bill defines a new budget plateau — some say realism — for the remainder of Obama’s presidency.”
It eases the sharp spending cuts known as sequestration, while raising spending levels slightly for military and domestic programs.
Notably, the deal rolls back pension cuts to disabled veterans, and gives military and federal workers a 1 percent pay increase.
And early-childhood education — an Obama administration priority — sees a major boost in funding. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Will Brady)
The bill also includes provisions to ensure Gitmo detainees are not transferred to the U.S., and provides a framework for continuing aid to Egypt. (Via RT)
On Tuesday, both chambers are expected to pass a stopgap funding measure to keep the government open through the weekend, giving lawmakers time to approve the spending bill.
